Stories That Encourage

THE HELENE LAMP STORY The Lord blesses each of us with each day of life, and this month’s members’ spotlight is the perfect example of the Lord’s abundant blessings. Helene Lamp, born October 2, 1921, has already completed 36,865 days thus far and is not slowing down. Helene was born in Germany, and on October 24, 1924, she moved to the U.S. with her parents when she was three years old. They lived in the country community of Neffs, Ohio. In those days, you had to have a sponsor to enter the United States. Her uncle

THE SUZIE HOLDERFIELD STORY Jackie Suzanne Koch Holderfield, but we know her as Suzie. Suzanne Holderfield was born in San Antonio, Texas, on June 8, 1954, to loving parents Robert John Koch and Doris Mae Sharp.   Suzie has two older brothers and one younger sister, all living in Texas. Since birth, Suzie has led an exciting life. One of her favorite childhood memories was on her uncle’s ranch in Hondo, Texas. Playing with her three girl cousins as they rode horses and pretended to be real ranch hands. They attended Rosemont Church of Christ, where

THE THERESA LYNNE BRUNKER STORY March 12, 1955, a beautiful baby girl named Teresa Lynne Brunker was a blessing to her family. The first-born Wichita, Kansas, girl was a farm girl at heart. Her family lived in the city, but her favorite childhood memory was playing on their 40-acre farm outside town. She and her youngest sister had horses, dogs, cats, and goats and loved farm life. Teresa was the oldest of 4 girls and two boys, ten years between herself and the youngest. Her dad worked the farm, and growing up as a young

THE JUDY COOPER STORY Judy Lynn Cooper was born in Jackson, Tennessee, on October 04, 1946. She grew up in a loving Christian home with hard-working parents and two brothers; Judy was the middle child.  Her mom would read Proverbs to her every night before bed. Judy was baptized at 12 years old.   One of her favorite memories: “Our family owned a small country grocery store (which later evolved into a furniture/ appliance store). Our business was next door to our house and required “all hands on deck.”  We all worked – I learned

THE XENIA HOLLIS STORY A LIFE OF DIFFICULTY AND SURVIVAL On June 21, 1938, Xenia Hollis was born in Djokjakarta, Indonesia, on Java Island. Xenia is the middle child and has an older brother and younger sister. Being the middle child was fantastic because her two siblings got all the attention, and everyone left her alone, allowing her to do whatever she wanted. Life was not easy as a child, though. They were forced to move around a lot. Even in these difficult times, she respected her parents because of their sacrifices. While her dad

THE SHERRY SEYER STORY Sherry Ann Seyer brightened this world on August 9th, 1947. Sherry was born in Houston, and as a young little girl, she remembers how special Christmas mornings were in her family. She was born into a Christian home and attended church all her life. Christmas was a time of true celebration. When asked how she came to know Jesus, she said, “It was easy for me. He was with me all the time. I’m very blessed.” When Sherry was only seven years old, she underwent heart surgery due to her heart

THE DONNA ELLER STORY Donna Marie Conner Eller was born in Pampa, Texas, on September 7, 1946. How wonderful it is to celebrate her birth, as this interview will be our September Spotlight! Donna’s dad worked in the oil field, which required a lot of travel. She recalls moving around a lot during her first four years in elementary school, but they always returned to Pampa. Her mom would take all the children to the Baptist Church while their Dad was traveling. They attended Sunday School, and Vacation Bible School, and Donna gave her life

THE STRENGTH OF ENDLESS LOVE The Dave and Martha Brasell Story Written by Charles Foster   THE STRENGTH OF ENDLESS LOVE… The Dave and Martha Story by Charles Foster Sometimes, you are introduced to people and feel you have known them forever. This unique connection was the case with a special lady named Martha. One of our business partners had been friends with Martha for years, and one day, while looking for a healthier lifestyle, Martha decided to join our company. We met Martha and knew from our first conversation that there was something special

THE GWEN FAY McCLAIN STORY Gwen Faye McClain was born in Bryan, Texas, on October 2, 1959. Gwen was the second of four children born to Herman and Esther Williams.    Her parents both attended Prairie View A&M University. After marriage, they moved to Anahuac, Texas, where her dad got his first teaching job. Her dad, Herman, was an industrial arts teacher and a bus driver for the school. Her parents were involved at the First Missionary Baptist Church, where her dad was a deacon, and her mom was the pianist. Her mom was also

THE SUZIE HOLDERFIELD STORY Jackie Suzanne Koch Holderfield, but we know her as Suzie. Suzanne Holderfield was born in San Antonio, Texas, on June 8, 1954, to loving parents Robert John Koch and Doris Mae Sharp.   Suzie has two older brothers and one younger sister, all living in Texas. Since birth, Suzie has led an exciting life. One of her favorite childhood memories was on her uncle’s ranch in Hondo, Texas. She played with her three girl cousins as they rode horses and pretended to be real ranch hands. They attended Rosemont Church of Christ,

THE PATSY YOUNG STORY Patsy Young was born in Austin, Texas, on January 22, 1939. My parents grew up on a farm. Mom was from Pleasanton, Tx, and my Dad was from Leming, Tx. Later, they moved to Austin. I have two older brothers, but both have passed now. TELL US ABOUT YOUR GROWING-UP YEARS I grew up in South Austin with many neighbors, and one of my favorite things to do was watch my neighbor across the street cook dinner every evening. One of our neighbors had a son who would come home and